| January 03, 2009 | Saturday | Muharram 05, 1430 |
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Kashmir polls: the truth
Absence of effective price control system
Encouraging militancy
Excessive petrol prices
Sukkur city roads in bad shape
Senior citizens
Naphtha for power generation
The rising tide of despair
Capital capers
Cricket woes
Readers are requested to restrict their comments to a maximum of 400 words. We reserve the right to edit letters for reasons of clarity and space. Letters, including those by e-mail, should carry the complete postal address of the sender. The views expressed in these columns do not necessarily reflect the views of the newspaper.—Editor
I WOULD like to share with Dawn readers some comments in the Indian press to let them know how Pakistan has won the first round diplomatically:
The Times of India: “While the de - escalation should soothe the tense nerves of the international community, it was being feared that Islamabad, by raising the bogey of war, may have edged out India’s concerns.
By feeding fears of an imminent conflict between two nuclear - armed rivals, it had ensured that the focus would shift towards conflict prevention…” As of now, said K. Subrahmanyam, Pakistan has managed to divert attention from the Mumbai attacks to an India - Pak conflict” …
As part of the script, Pakistan’s foreign secretary… even summoned the Indian high commissioner in Islamabad, Satyabrata Pal… to lecture him on the need for India to bring down tensions…The U.S. and China… asked India -- in a clear sign of Pakistan’s success -- to engage in a dialogue with Pakistan. It’s becoming increasingly evident that India has so far nothing to show for its diplomatic offensive in the aftermath of the Mumbai attacks.”
Vir Sanghvi of the Hindustan Times writes: “(Things have) gone very right for Pakistan. Islamabad has got exactly what it needs, and what it always wanted. Consider what’s happening today. The operation in the tribal areas has stalled.
The Taliban have sworn to back the Pakistan army against India. Troops have been moved to the Indian border. The incoming Obama administration is talking about appointing a special envoy for India and Pakistan… it is beginning to seem to me that Pakistan has outmanoeuvered both India and America.”
M. K. Bhadrakumar in Asia Times Online: “By gently holding out the threat to the U.S. that the Afghan operations would grievously suffer unless Washington restrained Delhi from precipitating any tensions on the India - Pakistan border, Islamabad seems to have neatly pole - vaulted over Rice to appeal straight to the Pentagon, where there is abiding camaraderie towards the Pakistani generals…”
India Today, Dec 27: “In response to the ‘deadline’ set by India and the threats from Sonia Gandhi and Pranab Mukherjee, Pakistan had gone on a diplomatic counter-offensive… Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir met the ambassadors of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council… He also met ambassadors of Italy, Japan, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Iran and Turkey…
However, his most crucial meeting was with Indian High Commissioner Satyabrata Pal… when he said that India should defuse the tension. Mr Pal was accompanied by his deputy Manpreet Vohra. The Indian side was categorically told that any ‘surgical strikes’ would be considered a declaration of war. India was urged to respond to Pakistan’s proposal for joint investigation into the Mumbai attacks. According to sources, the Indian diplomats looked somber when they came out of the meeting...”
A PAKISTANI
Karachi
THIS is apropos of your editorial about the recently - held election in the Indian - occupied Kashmir (Dec 26). You have quoted APHC leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who has very rightly observed that the polls were merely an ‘administrative exercise’ that has ‘no bearing’ on the region’s political future.
Another important fact noted by you is that the current peaceful uprising in the occupied state clearly does not suit New Delhi because the pictures and footage of peaceful protestors being mowed down by Indian soldiers is internationalising the issue, which India dreads.
It is for this reason our neighbour is trying everything in its power to divert the world’s attention from over there.
Past history also bears witness that whenever global attention appeared to be turning towards Kashmir, India came up with something dramatic, to shift focus from the issue. Mumbai seems to be part of the same effort.
One would also like to refer to another related matter, which is the voter turnout. The higher - than - expected participation of Kashmiri votes in these elections in most places other than Srinagar was rather mystifying, given the popular anti - India sentiments, which became clearer during the unprecedented, peaceful protests in the occupied territory in the last several months.
However, the mystery got resolved the other day when BBC Radio interviewed some members of the Kashmiri intelligentsia (Dec 24).
A professor of English, Dr Hameeda, who was among them, pointed out that it was actually the crores of rupees spent by India on motivating a large number of candidates to contest in the polls that had made this difference.
She cited one candidate as saying that it wouldn’t matter even if he lost in the elections because he has already received Rs500,000 from the powers - that - be.
The lady said that, in the past, on the average there used to be around three candidates from each constituency but this time they averaged about 20. The trick played by India is to divide the Kashmiris because each candidate was bound to receive the votes of his or her family, relatives, friends, and other members of the ‘biradari’.
In this way, those players who are interested in winning freedom from India would lose many votes, whereas the pro - India candidates, who always participate in the polls, could get sufficient support to make it to the legislature.
But, the tragedy is that such negative tactics by India are only prolonging the misery of the Kashmiris.
Several reports during the last two years have highlighted the steeply rising incidents of mental illness, including suicidal thoughts, among them. Isn’t it time the international community did something to help these poor people, which would also defuse the pathological tensions between India and Pakistan?
JAVED QURESHI
Karachi
PRICES of almost all consumer items have gradually been increased in multiples during the last few years.
One of the main reasons put forth by manufacturers / bulk traders was the abnormal and sharp increase in transportation charges in view of high price of petrol / diesel.
But now when oil prices have been drastically reduced from $140 a barrel to below $50, reduction in the price of the essentials is not visible.
For example, prices of pulses, fruits, vegetables, mutton and beef are still showing a rising trend.
The most reprehensible attitude is that of some leading palm cooking oil / vanaspati ghee manufacturers. Palm oil prices have been reduced even more than 50 per cent internationally but some of the leading manufacturers are still charging Rs140 per litre (which was Rs75/ prior to palm oil price hike), although a few manufacturers and utility stores are selling the same commodity at around Rs100 a litre.
One of the oldest palm cooking oil/vanaspati ghee manufacturers, which is also marketing toilet soap, cosmetics and tea, is selling its products at the same enhanced prices.
The one kg pack of tea, price of which was increased to Rs400 a kg from Rs250 during a few months back is still being sold at Rs400.
The same is the case with its branded toilet soap and palm cooking oil/vanaspati ghee, etc.
Again, poultry farmers appear to have formed a cartel and fix prices of their products at will.
If they reduce the price of live chicken by a few rupees, they increase the price of eggs simultaneously to offset the reduction in the price of chicken and vice versa.
A careful study of their daily published rates will corroborate the above observation. Whenever office - bearers of their association are asked to explain reasons for hike in prices, they would repeat their own flippant theory of demand and supply just to dupe the consumer.
Is there no effective regulatory authority at federal, provincial or city government level to save consumers from such thugs.
The so - called price control committees formed time to time have utterly failed to enforce their directives.
The examples of prices fixed for mutton, beef and milk in the past by price control committees can be quoted to prove these were never followed by traders/butchers.
Doesn’t this situation create doubts that all these malpractices are being committed with the connivance and tacit approval of those sitting at the helm of affairs?
Else, the ruling class has no time to pay attention to such petty matters as they are busy and in a hurry to achieve their political goals, perhaps the fear of some turmoil to destabilise their government is haunting them.
SHAUKAT RIZVI
Karachi
AS pointed out in the editorial, ‘Voices of reason’, and as also explicitly stated by Dr Anwar Syed in his article, ‘Non - rational motivations’ (Sept 28), the vernacular press, especially private electronic media, is well disposed towards extremism and militancy. These channels are a greater source of strength to Taliban than their own FM radio stations.
Watching such TV talk shows, one feels as if we are back in Zia’s era. The hosts and their select coterie of guests focus more on anti - American campaigns ignoring the murderous campaign let loose against the government and the people of Pakistan by Taliban.
The so - called ‘independent’ TV channels are trying to foist a culture reminiscent of Zia’s era undermining the values of peace, freedom, social justice and non - interference of religion in state affairs as exhorted by our Quaid.
The JI not only maintains criminal silence on the brutalities being committed by Taliban but also cherishes their capture of power to convert Pakistan into a fascist state in the name of Islam.
No civilised nation could have ignored and expressed such little remorse, anger and agitation on abominable and gory events such as the bombing on Peshawar girl schools.
Our electronic media instead helped divert attention on the controversy surrounding additional marks to the CJ’s daughter.
These days it is interesting to see hour - long interviews of a former ISI general almost successively at every other TV channel.
They want us to believe some fabricated story that had Benazir Bhutto not fallen at the hands of her killer, there was a strong possibility of her visiting his residence. At this critical juncture of our history, we owe a lot of gratitude to our English press resisting our internal enemies.
AHMED RAZEE SIDDIQUI
Karachi
ZAFAR Dost’s complaint about ‘Petrol prices’ (Dec 28) is a slap at the face of the Balochistan government. It hits the central government too.
In the golden days of 60s and 70s we used to buy the high quality petrol cheaper in Balochistan than in other provinces – thanks to illegal trade from Iran by smugglers.
Before 1973 the refined petrol cost us Rs5 a litre in Balochistan and Rs7.25 and Rs8 in other parts of the country. The normal petrol was even cheaper than refined.
Has the illegal trade stopped? The question is why Islamabad kept its eyes closed to such illegal activities?
Perhaps the big noises of Balochistan like Bugtis and Zehris could have told the reasons. You had the cheek to ask them? I will come back to you to explain the powers of big fish in Balochistan separately some other time.
In the international market the oil prices had gone three times higher than the present during one - and - a - half years – but the present price is the lowest in four years.
You just cannot sell gasoline today at Rs57.85 a litre in Sindh and Rs70 in Quetta and Rs100 in Mastung.
It was decided by the central government in 1974 that the price of petrol will be similar in all provinces. Has Balochistan not heard of it?
Now the international petrol prices have touched the low figure of 2004. We should also see the decrease in prices in Pakistan.
The reason demands that if we paid high prices due to the international price rise, we must also pay less for cheaper international gasoline.
M.K. NAQVI
Karachi
MOST of the roads have been dug up in the city of Sukkur. Gutters and drains are overflowing. Projects initiated three years earlier are still in progress and 60 per cent work is still to be completed.
Some roads have been dug up more than five times during the last four years in the name of ‘cable installation’. Sewerage water has become a permanent feature on the road adjacent to Jail No. II for the last six months.
It is the only road which connects Sukkur and Rohri. The district nazim uses this road daily but no action has been taken. After the rains about one kilometre is submerged in mud and dirty drain water. Pedestrians cannot use the road. The administration having a budget of billions of rupees is doing nothing for public.
All the roads and bazaars are full of garbage and encroachments but there is no one to check these problems. Encroachers are at liberty to do what they want with the blessings of nazims and councillors. Not a single road is in normal condition.
Sanitation staff is missing from the area. I request the provincial government to take notice of the situation so that inhabitants of such a big city may not be left at the mercy of councillors and UC nazims who are busy doing other things instead of serving the general public.
M.A. HAKEEM
Sukkur
THIS is apropos of Dr Iftikhar Ahmad’s letter, ‘Senior citizens’ (Dec 25), containing very useful suggestions about the welfare of senior citizens.
I would like to clarify, however, that ‘Senior Citizens Councils’ do exist in almost all the provinces. Although much needs to be done, I am happy to say that the Sindh Council for Senior Citizens has been actively working on issues facing the senior citizens.
We have held awareness raising seminars throughout Sindh, established a day centre in one of the districts of Karachi.
Pakistan Railways allows 50 per cent concession in economy class and 20 per cent in upper class fares to senior citizens and have established special reservation counters for them.
Similarly, PIA offers 10 per cent discount to senior citizens on every domestic flight. Special counters in banks have been opened in some banks to facilitate senior citizens.
The district council gives free entree to parks to seniors. We are in the process of getting more facilities for senior citizens by creating awareness about their problems.
There are a few homes for needy seniors which have been established by some NGOs, such as Edhi Trust, Ida Rieu Poor Welfare Association and a few other communities.
Senior citizens having led a sheltered life with their families (which practice should be strengthened) are not aware of their own needs and problems. We need to organise senior citizens to work for their own welfare as is the practice in the West.
MRS SHIREEN REHMATULLAH
President, Senior Citizens Welfare Council
Karachi
(II)
THIS is apropos of a news item (Nov 29) that the ministry of social welfare and social education is preparing a bill titled ‘National Senior Citizens Welfare Bill’ to provide facilities to elderly persons.
This was stated by Federal Minister for Social Welfare and Special Education Samina Khalid Ghurki during a three - day workshop on disaster risk reduction for elderly persons.
To make the proposed bill flawless, it was decided to involve all stakeholders and constitute a council of senior citizens.
Being grateful to Ms Ghurki for showing kindness towards senior citizens, it is requested that the following considerations (which are in practice in the UK and several other developed countries) may kindly be kept in view while considering the bill, hopefully at an early date.
These are: (i) Provision of shelter houses for senior citizens, (ii) health service with nursing facilities, (iii) concessions in travelling by bus, train and air, especially within Pakistan, (iv) free admission to national museums and galleries, (v) pension credits and (vi) legal service and security.
DR S. IFTIKHAR AHMED
Karachi
PAKISTAN exports 900,000 tons per year of naphtha, which is a surplus product of our refineries. Due to low crude oil price, the international price of naphtha has reduced considerably, and our surplus naphtha has now become a viable fuel for power plants. This is best illustrated by the following statistics from India:
1. Naphtha provides about 10per cent of the fuel for power plants in India. So, why is all the surplus naphtha of Pakistan exported?
2. The price of naphtha is currently 30 per cent cheaper than LNG (liquefied natural gas). Indian power plants operating on LNG have recently switched to naphtha. So, in these times of shortage of natural gas in Pakistan, some power plants should similarly switch to naphtha.
The petroleum and power ministries should immediately review naphtha as a fuel for our existing power plants. Naphtha can be burnt as a fuel just like diesel, which is a back - up fuel in Pakistan power plants. Use of our surplus naphtha will reduce import of furnace oil fuel used in our power plants by 25 per cent, and also result in cleaner environment.
JAVED AKBAR
Karachi
PROF Syed Waris Shere’s letter, ‘Ever-rising tides of despair’ (Dec 27), inspired hope and inspiration in the midst of pessimism.
No doubt, history is cluttered with wreckage of individuals who pursued self-defeating path of destruction but it is also replete with resolve of nations that overrode the turbulent tides of despair.
In the prevalent atmosphere, we need similar write-ups to boost our morale.
In the same spirit I would like to reproduce translation of a poem by Persian poet Yasimi, in which the legend of the mediaevalists is revived in the 20th century context for the love of his nation:
Socrates, the philosopher wise, Built him a house of a modest size.
Forthwith about him on every side
People shouted; and people cried;
Each of them had a fault to tell
Of the house he had built up so well.
This one said: ‘it will never do;
It’s small and poky, and all askew’.
Another murmured; ‘oh, tut-tut!
So mean and miserable a hut
Scarce beseems, if you want my view,
A man so considerable as you.’
‘Well, dear me!’ a third broke out, ‘A hovel like that? Without a doubt
The great professor we all revere Can never consent to living here!’
Everyone that his friend was named
All with a single voice exclaimed:
‘You can hardly call this a residence
Appropriate to your eminence!
It is so wretched and so small,
One cannot move in it at all;
It is so narrow and so tight
One cannot budge to left or right.’
As the philosopher heard them cry
He laughed aloud, and made reply:
‘Friends, you do wrong to criticise;
I cannot call your counsel wise.
Though my small cabin is little worth,
It’s everything I require on earth;
All I pray is, that it may be
Filled with friends who are true to me.
FAQIR AHMAD PARACHA
Peshawar
THIS refers to Umar Khan’s letter (Dec 13) in response to Kamran Rehmat’s column, ‘Capital capers’ (Dec 6).
While it is correct that every great nation recognises the services of its leaders, there must be some ‘service’ to be recognised. George Washington, for example, has a state and a university in his name because he had played a vital role in America’s independence.
We have Quaid-i-Azam University and Quaid-i-Azam International Airport because of his key role in the independence. While it is sad that Benazir Bhutto was assassinated in cold blood, but she does not have any such achievement attached to her name despite being a prime minister twice and also as a political leader.
JAHANGEER KHAN
Karachi
IN addition to the views of Mirza Karamat Baig regarding cricket affairs (Dec23), everyone can say that it smells something else rather than security risk that the Indian cricket team has refused to play the scheduled series in Pakistan or even at a natural venue.
The ICC must not say that they cannot take action because the Indian government has stopped them from playing with Pakistan, though the Indian team was ready to play.
I suggest that the ICC should give a walkover to the opponent team whenever any team refuses to play with the opponent team at the scheduled venue or any other venue for whatever reason, like in other sports.
Why should the opponent team suffer? In record books, it should be mentioned that the team which has refused to play has lost the series.
Also, the financial losses should be borne by the defaulting team. By taking such action the future of the game will be secured.
ABDUR REHMAN KHAN
Karachi
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